Posted 12 years ago
clpitts
(49 items)
I think this is an automobile lamp that was used before cars had electricity, but I am not sure. The knob has E & J Detroit stamped on it. It is made of heavy black metal. Any information would be appreciated.
It looks like it could be an early lamp used on a horseless carriage. My grandfather had on his small wagon . Smaller with a metal box type metal enclosure with 2 lenses. The inside of the font was filled with cotton so the kerosene would not splash and put the flame out. Does the fone have felt or cotton in it?
Neat looking piece but I question it being an auto lamp. The metal looks like cast and the base looks really wide. I base my statement of being wide on the porch rail as a guide to the width. It could probably be used as a lamp but I would sooner think it is the base for a smudge pot. Just my two cents. If it were a lamp it most likely be marked on the bottom as was the usual custom. The marking on the wick knob don't really identify the actual piece but may offer clues to who bought them and what they used them on.
I should have included that E&J did make lamps for horseless carriages but they were embossed with their name. The wick feed alone doesn't indicate automobile lamp. You can research E&J Detroit and find lots of information.